Help! Looking after puppy and have no idea what to do!

[SpiderCharlotte]

My friend collected her new 9 week old puppy yesterday. Last night my friend was taken to hospital with stomach pains and had her appendix whipped out. I am staying at her house so that the puppy doesn't get confused but I no NOTHING about dogs at all and want to make sure the wee lad is happy and content. He has a crate but I don't know what do do with it. I contacted the breeder but they are off on holiday today. I am in desperate need of advice folks! Pup is a lab and gorgeous btw.

aw

The crate is for when you have to leave him, other than that leave the door open. (assuming he's used to the crate)

He needs water out all the time and fed 4 times a day - it'll say on the packet roughly how much just divide that by 4. He'll need the toilet after he sleeps, plays or eats and about every 20 minutes to half an hour in between that.

Other than that, it's mostly just playing and cuddling, lol.

Right, have you got food etc? Little puppies need to be fed little and often; it's a while since I've had a puppy but, if I remember correctly, they need feeding about 4 times a day. Make sure there is a bowl of fresh, clean water available. Pup will need taking outside for a wee very regularly; every half hour or so, and you will need to stand and wait for him to do his business. Keep a close eye on him for signs he needs to go out, ie sniffing around a, and make sure he goes out within 15-20 minutes of eating.

Make sure his crate has a nice comfy bed or blanket, and line the bottom with newspaper or puppy pads to soak up any accidents. If you are planning to leave him in the crate overnight, be prepared to get up a few times to take him outside for a wee as his little bladder will not last all night! Maybe leave a radio on low for a bit of background noise if you are leaving him in another room. I always found leaving a ticking clock outside the crate helped mine settle, as it's a rhythmic noise like their mums heartbeat. I've always had the crate next to my bed for the first few nights at least, just to get pup used to being in there, as you can settle them when they cry (they will!) and are able to grab them to go outside easier if they start acting like they need a wee!

Most of all, give him lots of cuddles, as he's been whipped away from his mum and will be all confused about what's happening! :)

Oh the poor wee lad won't know what's going on will he? :( Fab advice from you both so thank you.